Fish Creek Pond Campground

fish creek pond camping

For us New Yorkers, especially those who dream of waking up to the gentle lapping of water against the shore, surrounded by the whispering pines of the Adirondacks, Fish Creek Pond Campground is truly a dream come true. Consistently rated as one of the finest and most attractive state campgrounds in the entire Adirondack Park, it offers an unparalleled waterfront camping experience that's hard to find anywhere else.

Located near Saranac Lake, Fish Creek Pond Campground is unique in that almost every one of its numerous campsites boasts direct water access on either Fish Creek Pond or Square Pond. This remarkable feature means you can step out of your tent or RV and be just feet from the water, ready to launch your canoe, kayak, or even a motorboat. While it embraces a "boondocking" feel for many, offering a more natural camping experience without full hookups at every site, it still provides essential comforts like hot showers and flush toilets. It’s a well-maintained gem run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore the vast interconnected waterways and surrounding trails of the Adirondacks.

You'll find Fish Creek Pond Campground conveniently located at 4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. This prime location places it right on NYS Route 30, approximately 12 miles northeast of Tupper Lake and 16 miles west of Saranac Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Park. For us New Yorkers, particularly those from Upstate and even the downstate areas, accessing this popular destination is relatively straightforward via major state routes.

The campground's exceptional accessibility isn't just about getting there by car; it's about the ease of access to the water. Fish Creek Pond is uniquely situated to connect directly with Square Pond and, via a short boat ride, to the vast expanses of Upper Saranac Lake. This interconnectedness forms a significant portion of the famous Adirondack canoe routes, making it a paddler's paradise. For those with motorboats, both Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond are open to motorized vessels, and the connection to Upper Saranac Lake offers miles of open water for powerboating, jet-skiing, and water skiing.

Beyond the water, the location provides excellent proximity to other Adirondack attractions. The Wild Center (the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks) in Tupper Lake is about 11 miles southwest, and the Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC) at Paul Smiths is 18 miles north on NYS Route 30. Lake Placid and its Olympic venues are approximately 25 miles to the southeast. While the interior roads within the campground can be narrow, campers are known for their cooperation in navigating to their sites, and the overall convenience of the location for both on-water and land-based Adirondack adventures is a major draw.

Fish Creek Pond Campground provides a comprehensive array of services and facilities designed to enhance a comfortable and active camping experience in the Adirondacks, even without full hookups at every site.

• Numerous Campsites: With 355 campsites, the campground can accommodate a wide range of equipment, from tents to RVs up to 40 feet. Most of these sites boast direct water access on Fish Creek Pond or Square Pond, offering a unique waterfront experience.

• Water Access at Sites: Many sites are directly on the water, providing a natural sand shoreline and easy access for swimming or launching small watercraft. While sites do not have individual water hookups, potable water is available throughout the campground.

• Flush Toilets: Clean flush toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground, ensuring modern restroom facilities for campers.

• Hot Showers: Coin-operated hot showers are available, providing a welcome comfort after a day of outdoor activities.

• Trailer Dumping Station: An excellent and well-maintained trailer dumping station is available on-site for RVs, which is a crucial service for "boondocking" or primitive RV camping.

• Boat Launch: A boat launch ramp within the campground provides easy access for both motorized and non-motorized boats onto Fish Creek Pond, which connects to Square Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale on-site, making it convenient to purchase what you need for campfires while adhering to regulations designed to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Camp Store / Trading Post: A trading post is available within or very close to the campground, offering basic products, snacks, ice, and other essentials, which is a significant convenience for campers.

• Picnic Areas & Beach: Designated picnic areas and a supervised swimming beach are available for both campers and day-use visitors.

• Playground: A playground provides entertainment for younger campers.

• Recreation Activities Program: From early July until Labor Day, an organized recreation activity program is offered daily at the amphitheater. This includes nature hikes, crafts, games, and live entertainment, providing engaging options for families.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: Many miles of hiking trails begin right from the campground, including popular options like the Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop. There are also bike paths for cycling enthusiasts.

• Volleyball and Basketball Areas: Courts are available for friendly games and recreation.

• Generator Hours: Designated quiet hours are enforced, but generators are permitted during specific times of the day (typically 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) to allow campers to power their equipment.

• Recycling Station: A central recycling area is provided for garbage and recycling, requiring clear plastic bags for processing.

• Accessible Features: The campground offers accessible campsites (11 in total), wheelchair-accessible restrooms, a fishing/viewing platform, and a picnic pavilion. There's even a wheelchair charging station available.

• Abundant Waterfront Sites: This is arguably the top highlight. Fish Creek Pond Campground is famous for having an exceptional number of campsites directly on the water, offering stunning views and immediate access to Fish Creek Pond or Square Pond. This allows for unparalleled convenience for water-based activities right from your site.

• Direct Access to Interconnected Waterways: Campers can easily launch their boats, canoes, or kayaks from their sites and explore miles of connected waterways, including Fish Creek Pond, Square Pond, and the expansive Upper Saranac Lake. This is a dream come true for paddlers and motor boaters alike.

• "Boondocking" Vibe with Essential Comforts: While most sites do not have full hookups (true "boondocking" style), the campground provides crucial amenities like clean flush toilets, hot showers, and a top-notch dump station. This allows for a more natural, less developed camping experience without sacrificing basic necessities.

• Family-Friendly Environment & Activities: The organized recreation activity program, running from early July to Labor Day, is a significant draw for families. With nature hikes, crafts, games, and live entertainment at the amphitheater, there's always something to keep kids and adults engaged.

• Well-Maintained Grounds & Facilities: Campers consistently praise the campground for being well-maintained and clean, including the restrooms and shower facilities, which are vital for a comfortable stay.

• Quiet Hours and Generator Rules: The enforced quiet hours and specific generator operating times are highly appreciated by campers seeking a peaceful environment, ensuring a relaxing atmosphere during non-use periods.

• On-Site Trading Post: The convenience of having a trading post nearby for last-minute supplies, snacks, and firewood is a major plus, minimizing the need to leave the campground for essentials.

• Hiking and Biking Opportunities: With numerous trails starting directly from the campground, including the Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop, and bike paths, land-based adventurers have plenty to explore.

• Accessible Camping Options: The provision of eleven accessible campsites, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, a fishing/viewing platform, and even a wheelchair charging station demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity.

• Unique Campground Traditions: As one reviewer noted, the campground has "cool little traditions" that add to its unique character and charm, contributing to a memorable experience (you'll have to visit to discover them yourself!).

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) campground, Fish Creek Pond Campground operates with a standard rate structure rather than frequent commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the private campground sense. However, the value provided through its facilities and unique features can be considered a significant "offer" in itself, especially for New York residents.

• Affordable State Park Rates: NYSDEC campgrounds typically offer very competitive nightly rates compared to private campgrounds. While exact rates can vary by season and site type, the value for a waterfront site in the Adirondacks is exceptional.

• Value of Waterfront Access: The sheer number of waterfront sites, combined with the ability to launch boats directly from many of them, is an unparalleled value. This kind of direct, unencumbered water access is a premium feature often found at much higher prices elsewhere.

• Family-Friendly Programming Included: The organized recreation activity program offered during peak season (July to Labor Day) at no extra cost to campers adds significant value for families, providing entertainment and educational opportunities.

• Day-Use Access for Amenities: Even non-campers can utilize certain campground amenities (like the beach and picnic areas) by paying a small day-use fee, which offers flexibility for locals just wanting a taste of Fish Creek Pond without staying overnight.

• Season Pass / Empire Pass (NY State Residents): While not specific to Fish Creek, New York State residents can often purchase an Empire Pass, which provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most state parks, boat launches, and many DEC campgrounds (though not usually overnight camping fees). This offers broader value for frequent visitors to state recreation areas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, reservation availability, and specific rules (like those regarding pets, which are allowed with restrictions), it is always best to visit the New York State Parks' ReserveAmerica website or contact Fish Creek Pond Campground directly via phone. Reservations, especially for highly sought-after waterfront sites, are strongly recommended and often fill up far in advance.

Ready to plan your unforgettable waterfront camping experience at Fish Creek Pond Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to secure your spot in this Adirondack paradise:

• Address: 4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

• Phone: (518) 891-4560

• Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-4560

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the New York State Parks' ReserveAmerica website, as this is the primary booking platform. However, for any specific questions about the campground, local conditions, or unique site features, calling the campground directly is always the best approach.

For us New Yorkers, especially those who cherish the Adirondack Park as our backyard wilderness, Fish Creek Pond Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an institution, a beloved summer tradition, and arguably the quintessential Adirondack camping experience. It's perfectly suited for locals because it delivers on the core promises of an Adirondack adventure: direct access to water, immersion in nature, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

The most compelling reason for us to choose Fish Creek Pond is its unparalleled waterfront access. The ability to reserve a site directly on Fish Creek Pond or Square Pond means immediate enjoyment of paddling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore – a luxury hard to find at other campgrounds. This direct connection to the vast interconnected waterways of the Adirondacks opens up endless possibilities for exploration by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, truly making the most of our state's incredible natural resources.

While it embraces a "boondocking" spirit for many sites (meaning no individual hookups), it thoughtfully provides essential comforts like clean flush toilets, hot showers, and an excellent dump station. This blend allows us to experience the rustic charm of Adirondack camping without entirely roughing it. The organized recreational programs, well-maintained grounds, and the friendly, cooperative atmosphere among campers navigating the narrow roads all contribute to a truly enjoyable and memorable stay. For any New Yorker seeking a classic, water-centric Adirondack camping adventure that delivers both tranquility and endless outdoor fun, Fish Creek Pond Campground is, without a doubt, a top-tier choice that promises to become a cherished annual tradition.

Fish Creek Pond Campground

4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA